Windows 11: Safely Removing Bloatware Apps with WinUtil

⚡ The gist in 5 seconds - Safe Windows 11 cleanup combines manually uninstalling preinstalled programs via "Settings" with targeted use of Chris Titus's WinUtil utility. - WinUtil is launched from an admin terminal with the command irm "https://christitus.com/win" | iex. - In the utility, use the Minimal or Standard tweak profiles and create a system restore point beforehand to avoid risks. ### 🔍 What was found Since Windows 11 launched in October 2021, the operating system has earned a reputation for being overloaded with unnecessary software. In February 2026, Microsoft publicly admitted that Windows 11 needs improvement: out of the box, it's saturated with user-tracking tools, adware, and preinstalled third-party apps. Strictly speaking, only the unnecessary programs themselves are "bloat," but in practice the category also includes telemetry, ads, and partner software. The safest cleanup method is a combination of manual actions and careful use of a utility. First, open "Settings" (Win + I) → "Apps" → "Installed apps." For each unwanted app, click the three-dot button and select "Uninstall." This gets rid of casual games, trial antivirus software, and Microsoft's own apps like Xbox. Then launch a terminal as administrator (right-click "Start" → "Terminal (Administrator)") and run the command irm "https://christitus.com/win" | iex. WinUtil is a script with a graphical interface that changes numerous system settings without digging into the settings menus. ### 💡 Why it matters Proper cleanup lets you block Microsoft's data collection and ads, free up storage space, and speed up your computer. That said, it's important to proceed methodically: Microsoft protects key OS components, but removing some Windows Runtime apps can break other software. So don't use aggressive "one-click" utilities — they act like a sledgehammer, whereas what's needed here is a scalpel. Using the Minimal or Standard profiles in WinUtil and creating a restore point minimizes the risks. ### 🧩 Context Windows 11 has been criticized for bloatware overload since its October 2021 release. In February 2026, Microsoft officially acknowledged the shortcomings, and its attempts to fix things proved mixed: some changes improved performance and removed intrusive ads, but many problems remain unresolved. For those who can't switch to Linux due to work tasks, the only option left is to spend time cleaning the system yourself — it requires care and following instructions, but it lets you tailor Windows to your needs.

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